Mary, Mother of the Church

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. Father Dave explains a brand-new feast day in the Church’s calendar, one that’s only been celebrated once before. Pope Francis declared in 2018 that from that time forward, we would now celebrate the feast known as “Mary, Mother of the Church” on the Monday after Pentecost each year. Mary’s universal motherhood can be seen in both of the readings chosen for today: She’s called “Mother of All the Living” in Genesis; and in John’s Gospel, Jesus says on the cross to “the beloved disciple” (representing all disciples down through the ages), “Here is your mother,” thus declaring Mary the mother of all believers, or “mother of the Church.” Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 6-10-19.